The United States Senate has voted to confirm former federal prosecutor Kash Patel as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), continuing a streak of success for President Donald Trump’s government nominees.But Thursday’s confirmation came by slim margins. Only 51 senators, all Republican, voted in favour of Patel in the 100-seat Senate.
There were two notable defections from the Republican Party: Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine. They joined 47 Democrats in opposing what critics have called a dangerous nomination to lead the FBI.
“ Mr Patel’s record demonstrates that he’s dangerous, inexperienced and dishonest,” Democratic Senator Dirk Durbin of Illinois said. “He should not and cannot serve as an effective FBI director.”
For his part, in a social media post, Patel thanked Trump and said he was honoured to be confirmed.
“The politicalization of our justice system has eroded public trust — but that ends today,” Patel wrote. “My mission as Director is clear: let good cops be cops — and rebuild trust in the FBI.” Advertisement
But in the lead-up to the vote, a parade of Democratic lawmakers, including Durbin, took the Senate floor to warn against confirming Patel, saying he would indeed politicise the FBI.
They raised questions about his ability to lead the FBI fairly, given past statements that suggested he might use the bureau’s resources to go after Trump’s political rivals and journalists.
“ It is shocking that my Republican colleagues are willing to support him despite the serious threat he poses to our national security,” Durbin said.
“I’m sorry to say, I bel …
